Disposal of expired, unwanted, damaged, or otherwise unusable controlled substances (CS) follows concise procedural steps and is strictly regulated by the DEA. This section describes requirements for the disposal of controlled substances and details items considered to be to exemptions, and their disposal processes. See FAQs below.
- When Do I Dispose of Controlled Substances?
- How Do I Dispose of Expired/Unwanted Controlled Substances?
- Empty CS Containers
- Broken or Damaged Containers
- Precursor Chemicals
- Orphaned Controlled Substances
When do I dispose of controlled substances?
CS is disposed of when:
- Controlled substances are expired, unwanted, or no longer required.
- NOTE: Content must be present in containers.
- Research project is closed or terminated and controlled substances are still in supply.
- DEA registration expires and has not been renewed.
- DEA Registrant terminates employment at USC.
How do I dispose of expired/unwanted controlled substances?
To initiate the disposal of controlled substances, follow the steps outlined below.
- Complete, scan to PDF, and email ehs-cs@usc.edu the following forms:
- Controlled Substance Waste Disposal Request Form
- Controlled Substance Use and Disposal Log and/or Controlled Substance Dilution Usage and Disposal Log for each CS to be disposed of.
- DEA registrant will then be notified by EH&S when the next controlled substance disposal session is scheduled and a specialist will provide further instruction.
Empty CS Containers
Controlled substance containers that are void of content may be disposed of as Non-RCRA solid hazardous waste. A controlled substance container is considered empty when there is no movable liquid or powder left in the container and the CS Usage and Disposal Logs show 100% usage.
Remove or deface the entire label of the empty CS vial and place it in a clear Ziplock bag. Place the Ziplock bag with vial in an opaque plastic container. For more information on proper waste labeling, waste submission, and waste supply requests for this specific waste stream, please refer to the EH&S Controlled Substances Empty Vial Disposal Guide Sheet.
Broken or Damaged Containers
Inadvertently broken or damaged controlled substance containers and resulting spill cleanup materials must be disposed of as hazardous chemical waste. Ensure the Usage and Disposal Logs have been updated to reflect the loss of material and document the incident by completing the Controlled Substance Incident Report. Email completed report to CS Program Manager at ehs-cs@usc.edu. EH&S will work with labs to ensure they submit all necessary reports to the DEA (Form 106), if necessary. This must be completed within 24 hours of the reported loss.
Precursor Chemicals
Unused or expired precursor chemicals must be disposed of as hazardous chemical waste. Refer to the Chemical Waste Disposal Guide Sheet for more information.
Orphaned Controlled Substances
Contact the CS Program Manager at ehs-cs@usc.edu for additional information.